CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer to Speak at CUA Commencement

Arizona Congressman Rick Renzi to Speak at Law School Commencement

WASHINGTON - Wolf Blitzer, anchor of CNN's "The Situation Room" and one of the most recognizable faces in broadcast journalism, will address graduates at The Catholic University of America's 117th Annual Commencement Ceremony, to be held Saturday, May 13, 2006.

Wolf Blitzer

In addition to "The Situation Room," an afternoon news program, the veteran newsman hosts "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer," the only Sunday talk show seen in more than 200 countries and territories.

"Catholic University is very fortunate to have CNN's Wolf Blitzer as its commencement speaker this year," said Very Rev. David M. O'Connell, C.M., president of Catholic University. "He earned his reputation as a national and international journalist by placing himself in some of the most important and potentially life-threatening situations and before some of the most important newsmakers of our time. A master of the art of objective news analysis, Mr. Blitzer's reporting is among the best in the business today. I am so grateful to him that he will share his experience of the world with our graduates, their families and guests and our faculty."

For more than two decades, Blitzer has reported on a wide range of major breaking stories around the world. He began his career in 1972 with the Reuters News Agency in Tel Aviv. Shortly thereafter, he became a Washington, D.C., correspondent for The Jerusalem Post. After more than 15 years of reporting from the nation's capital, Blitzer joined CNN in 1990 as the network's military affairs correspondent at the Pentagon. From 1992 to the present he has covered many key events that have shaped the landscape of international politics. He also has interviewed some of recent history's most prominent newsmakers, including national leaders past and present, in the United States and abroad. To view Blitzer's bio, visit http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/blitzer.wolf.html.

Blitzer is the author of two books, "Between Washington and Jerusalem: A Reporter's Notebook" (Oxford University Press, 1985) and "Territory of Lies" (Harper and Row, 1989). The latter was cited by The New York Times Book Review as one of the most notable books of 1989. He also has written articles for numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times.

Rep. Rick Renzi

Catholic University's Columbus School of Law will hold its annual commencement on Saturday, May 27, 2006.

This year's commencement speaker will be Rep. Rick Renzi (R - Ariz). A 2001 alumnus of the law school, Renzi was a successful entrepreneur from Flagstaff, Ariz., before entering the world of politics. He was first elected to Congress in 2002 and currently is serving his second term after being re-elected in 2004. He currently serves as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He also is a member of the House Resources Committee and the House Financial Services Committee.

"Congressman Renzi has used his Catholic University education in the exercise of tremendous responsibility as a public servant," Father O'Connell said. "I know our graduates will be both inspired and excited by his presence and his message. I am delighted and honored that he will be our commencement speaker at the law school graduation and, along with Dean Miles, the faculty and our graduating class, I look forward to welcoming him 'home.'"

MEDIA COVERAGE

For more information or to make arrangements to cover the university's main commencement exercises, contact Chris Harrison or Katie Lee in the CUA Office of Public Affairs by calling 202-319-5600; to cover the law school commencement, contact Tom Haederle in the law school's Office of Public Affairs at 202-319-5438.